Author

Defense Date

Graduation Date

Availability

Submission Type

Degree Name

Department

School

School of Education

Committee Chair

Rick R. McCown

Committee Member

Franny J Serenka

Committee Member

M Chad Tindol

Keywords

achievement, B=MC², Gittins, perception, safety, Student

Abstract

A student's perception of safety in a school will impact his or her academic achievement. If a student does not feel safe in a school, he or she will be distracted, and will have a diminished concentration span, lack of focus and increased anxiety, all of which will negatively impact his or her achievement and academic potential. It is important for educational leaders, therefore, to create cultures that are safe, welcoming, and conducive to a student's academic growth. To do this, educational leaders, at all levels of the school district--from district administrators, to building administrators, to teachers and other staff in a school--must be purposeful and intentional in their actions and plans. This culture is a prerequisite to the learning process. If the environment is not conducive to academic achievement and growth, then academic achievement and growth will not occur. This paper will explore the background of this issue, will define the scope of the problem, will examine the importance of cultures in a school environment, will explore theoretical constructs that support the need for creating safe cultures, and will discuss the role of various educational leaders in the process.